purlJam

# Simple Laying Dog Plush

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner  
**Finished Size**: Approximately 5-6 inches long, 3 inches tall

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color
- Approximately 100-120 yards total
- Suggested colors: tan, brown, cream, gray, or white
- Small amount of black or dark brown for nose/facial features (optional)

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends
- Stitch marker
- Optional: 2 safety eyes (6-9mm), OR black embroidery thread for eyes
- Scissors

## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference:
- 5 sc and 5 rounds = 1 inch in amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds)
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through

## PATTERN NOTES

- This pattern uses US crochet terminology
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted; do not join rounds
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go; it's difficult to add stuffing after closing
- **inv dec** (invisible decrease): Insert hook in front loops only of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both loops, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (invisible decrease - see pattern notes)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (Main piece - worked as elongated oval)

**Rnd 1**: Ch 8, starting in 2nd ch from hook: 6 sc, 3 sc in last ch; working along opposite side of chain: 5 sc, 2 sc in same st as first sc of round [16]
- *Check: You should have 16 sts total, with 3 sc clustered at each end*

**Rnd 2**: inc, 5 sc, inc 3 times, 5 sc, inc 2 times [22]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 16 + 6 = 22 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc, inc, 5 sc, (sc, inc) 3 times, 5 sc, (sc, inc) 2 times [28]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 22 + 6 = 28 ✓*

**Rnd 4**: 2 sc, inc, 5 sc, (2 sc, inc) 3 times, 5 sc, (2 sc, inc) 2 times [34]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 28 + 6 = 34 ✓*

**Rnds 5-12**: sc in each st around [34] (8 rounds total)
- *This creates the length of the body*

**Rnd 13**: 2 sc, dec, 5 sc, (2 sc, dec) 3 times, 5 sc, (2 sc, dec) 2 times [28]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 34 - 6 = 28 ✓*

**Rnd 14**: sc, dec, 5 sc, (sc, dec) 3 times, 5 sc, (sc, dec) 2 times [22]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 28 - 6 = 22 ✓*

**BEGIN STUFFING** the body firmly at this point.

**Rnd 15**: dec, 5 sc, dec 3 times, 5 sc, dec 2 times [16]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 22 - 6 = 16 ✓*

**Rnd 16**: dec around [8]
- *Check: 8 decreases total → 16 - 8 = 8 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 8 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

---

### HEAD (Small oval)

**Rnd 1**: Ch 5, starting in 2nd ch from hook: 3 sc, 3 sc in last ch; working along opposite side of chain: 2 sc, 2 sc in same st as first sc [10]
- *Check: 10 sts total*

**Rnd 2**: inc, 2 sc, inc 3 times, 2 sc, inc 2 times [16]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 10 + 6 = 16 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: sc, inc, 2 sc, (sc, inc) 3 times, 2 sc, (sc, inc) 2 times [22]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 16 + 6 = 22 ✓*

**Rnds 4-7**: sc in each st around [22] (4 rounds total)

If using safety eyes, insert them now between Rnds 5 and 6, approximately 4-5 sts apart.

**Rnd 8**: sc, dec, 2 sc, (sc, dec) 3 times, 2 sc, (sc, dec) 2 times [16]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 22 - 6 = 16 ✓*

**BEGIN STUFFING** the head firmly.

**Rnd 9**: dec, 2 sc, dec 3 times, 2 sc, dec 2 times [10]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 16 - 6 = 10 ✓*

**Rnd 10**: dec around [5]
- *Check: 5 decreases total → 10 - 5 = 5 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing to body. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole.

---

### LEGS (Make 4)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
- *Check: 6 increases total → 6 + 6 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 3-6**: sc in each st around [12] (4 rounds total)

Stuff lightly (legs should be soft, not firm).

**Rnd 7**: dec around [6]
- *Check: 6 decreases total → 12 - 6 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the opening slightly for easier attachment to body.

---

### EARS (Make 2)

**Row 1**: Ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [1]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, turn [2]

**Row 3**: Ch 1, inc in each st, turn [4]
- *Check: 2 increases → 2 + 2 = 4 ✓*

**Row 4**: Ch 1, sc across, turn [4]

**Row 5**: Ch 1, dec 2 times, turn [2]
- *Check: 2 decreases → 4 - 2 = 2 ✓*

**Row 6**: Ch 1, dec [1]
- *Check: 1 decrease → 2 - 1 = 1 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Ears will be triangular/floppy shape.

---

### TAIL

**Rnd 1**: 5 sc in magic ring [5]

**Rnds 2-4**: sc in each st around [5] (3 rounds total)

Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body**:
- Position the head at one end of the body (the narrower end)
- The head should angle slightly upward to create a "resting" position
- Pin in place, then sew securely all around using the whip stitch and the long tail from the head
- Weave in ends

**Step 2 - Attach Legs**:
- Position all 4 legs on the underside (bottom) of the body
- Front legs: approximately 1 inch from the head
- Back legs: approximately 1.5 inches from the back end
- The dog should be able to rest flat with legs extended to the sides (laying down position)
- Pin each leg in place, then sew securely in a circular pattern around the leg opening
- Weave in ends

**Step 3 - Attach Ears**:
- Position ears on sides of head, slightly toward the back
- Sew the widest part (Row 3) of each ear to the head
- Allow ears to flop naturally downward
- Weave in ends

**Step 4 - Attach Tail**:
- Position tail at the back end of the body, on the top side
- Can be positioned straight back or slightly to one side
- Sew securely around the base
- Weave in end

---

## FINISHING

**Facial Features** (if not using safety eyes):

Using black or dark brown yarn and yarn needle:

- **Eyes**: Make 2 small French knots between Rnds 5 and 6 of head, approximately 4-5 sts apart
- **Nose**: Make 1 small triangle or oval at the front/bottom of the head using satin stitch or several small horizontal stitches
- **Mouth** (optional): Use a small straight stitch or two angled stitches below the nose

**Final Touches**:
- Weave in any remaining ends
- Trim all yarn tails close to work
- Reshape and fluff stuffing as needed
- Give your dog a gentle squeeze to settle the stuffing evenly

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations**:
- **Larger dog**: Use bulky yarn with a 5mm hook (will be approximately 8-10 inches long)
- **Smaller dog**: Use DK or sport weight yarn with a 3mm hook (will be approximately 3-4 inches long)

**Color Options**:
- **Spotted dog**: Work body in one color, add spots with duplicate stitch or small crocheted circles sewn on
- **Two-tone dog**: Work head and ears in a different color than body
- **Striped dog**: Change colors every 2 rounds on the body

**Detail Additions**:
- Add a small collar using a chain stitch or narrow strip of contrasting color
- Embroider paw pads on the bottom of legs using pink or black yarn
- Add texture to ears by working in back loops only

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Stuffing shows through stitches
- **Solution**: Work more tightly, or use a smaller hook size

**Problem**: Dog won't lay flat
- **Solution**: Ensure legs are positioned on the underside and extend slightly outward, not straight down; check that body is stuffed evenly

**Problem**: Head tilts oddly
- **Solution**: Reposition head before final securing; add a few extra stitches on the bottom connection point to stabilize

**Problem**: Stitch count is off
- **Solution**: Use a stitch marker consistently; count stitches at the end of each round before proceeding

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap
- Roll in a towel to remove excess water
- Air dry completely
- Do not machine wash or dry
- If using safety eyes, ensure they are secured tightly before giving to children

---

**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters using basic amigurumi techniques and simple geometric shapes.**

---

**PATTERN TESTING VERIFICATION**:
- Body stitch progression: 16→22→28→34 (even rounds) →28→22→16→8 ✓
- Head stitch progression: 10→16→22 (even rounds) →16→10→5 ✓
- Legs: 6→12 (even rounds) →6 ✓
- All increases and decreases mathematically balanced ✓
- Total pieces: 1 body + 1 head + 4 legs + 2 ears + 1 tail = 9 pieces ✓